COLTS NECK – Family, friends and loved ones of more than 300 Colts Neck High School students packed the school’s football stadium Tuesday night to watch the 2013 graduates receive their diplomas.

Class valedictorian Daniel Banks joked with fellow students, but also downplayed his address to the class.

“For all this podium is hyped up to be, it’s very often just a medium for cliché and empty promises, and so I apologize if I can’t deliver on my end of the bargain,” Banks said.

However, Banks encouraged students to follow their ideas and don’t let something that may be considered “weird” get in the way of a dream.

“Class of 2013, let’s get weird,” Banks said. “Being weird and true to yourself and your outlandish ideas is the only way we can conquer chaos and create change.”

Banks also pleaded to parents and authoritative members of the audience to accept any crazy ideas that the students may have.

“Rather than quash our search for the sake of order, embrace our search for the sake of change,” Banks said.

This senior class is the last one that graduates under Principal Keith Land, as he is scheduled to retire at the end of the week. Wall School District Superintendent Daniel Simon Sr. will replace Land.

“Typically this where I might be expected to provide some advice as you move on into the world,” Land said. “I’m simply going to ask you do to do one thing: continue to pursue your passions with the same commitment and dedication we’ve witnessed here over the past four years.”

“I could not have asked for a better senior class to be my last, it’s always nice to go out on top,” Land said.

Superintendent Charles Sampson also praised Land for his work in the district.

“From the bottom of my heart Mr. Land, thank you to a terrific educator, but an even better gentleman,” Sampson said. “It’s been an honor to work with you.”